Watch: J.Cole Talks About The Inspiration Behind “Crooked Smile”

Jermaine Cole took a trip down memory lane for MTV’s re-launch of Life & Rhymes where he broke down the lyrics and inspiration for his current hit single “Crooked Smile.”

Returning to his old stomping grounds in Jamaica Queens, NYC, J.Cole sits on the stoop of his old apartment, the infamous “Mohammed Crib” that Cole donned in “Power Trip.” While the apartment wasn’t the best of living conditions, it was the one place where Cole began to envision his dreams. Cole’s Landlord Mohammed believed in his talent so much that he allowed Cole and his roommates to continue to stay in the apartment even when the rent was months past due.

In the clip, Cole also speaks about how “Crooked Smile” came together after numerous verses and a random meeting of a songwriter he met in an Atlanta recording studio.

Watch the clip below:

And if you’re wondering, J.Cole made sure to settle his debt with his Landlord as soon as he signed his deal.